Robert F. Kennedy, in his speech The Mindless Menace of Violence, determines that violence has been deeply enrooted and accepted in American society, creating a system of prejudice and hatred. Kennedy supports his argument by confronting the brutality of American citizens in an attempt to elicit an emotional response, leading them to change their ways. The author’s purpose is to address the increasing number of riots and brutality that was emerging within American communities. Kennedy writes his speech in a sincere and conscience-striking tone in order for the American citizens to recognize their wrongdoing. By encouraging citizens to fight against the violence gradually overtaking American society and by urging them to commit to battle for true …show more content…
Kennedy uses imagery to describe the brutality in America by saying it stains “our land” and stains “every one of our lives.” Toward’s the beginning, his tone is grave as he draws attention to his concern of unnecessary violence. He uses alliteration in “shame and sorrow,” and “mindless menace,” enthralls the audience and leads them to recognizing that Kennedy’s speech is not meant to promote useless politics, but to recognize that there is a deep seated problem in America and the people desperately need to do something about it. In paragraph 5, Kennedy uses juxtaposition to describe situations that most people would deem to be immoral with those that could be seen as justifiable. For example, he says that acts of violence done “in the name of the law” or “the defiance of the law” and “in an attack of violence” or “in response to violence,” whether it could be seen as good or not, are absolutely unacceptable. He implores the audience to see that violence has never accomplished anything and no wrongs have been set right by
Author Barbara Smith addresses the events that evolved in the city of Los Angeles on March 3, 1991, regarding police brutality towards a black man Rodney King, before handcuffing King after a high-speed chase. Across the nation resonated a shock wave of unbelieve as the police officers involved were acquitted which sparked a violent movement in the local community (39). Barbara Smith took the opportunity to provide a rhetorical response in her book titled, “The Truth That Never Hurts” (42). Barbara Smith’s writings in an excerpt from her book describe similar factual events of violence and oppression through history, in our nation, that has left a residue of incivility, her response is verbal as she speaks through her written text. A myriad
Kennedy shifts his tone to address the audience who are indifferent to the violence. He makes it clear that this behavior is just as destructive to the oppressed as the behavior of those who are overtly violent against those who are different from them. To establish this connection Kennedy uses many different metaphors such as “For there is another kind of violence, slower but just as deadly, destructive as the shot or bomb in the night. This is the violence of institutions; indifference and inaction and slow decay…This is a slow destruction of a child by hunger, and schools without books and homes without heat in the winter.” These metaphors bring a personally relatable aspect to the seemingly harmless course of inaction during these times and provide detailed examples from different scenarios that are similar.
Victims with dark red blood dripping over there pummeled bodies on the brink of death. In the article “The forgotten victim from Florence and Normandie” published by Steve Lopez presents us with an insight on the Los Angeles riots of 1992. A scenery destined for destruction and mayhem with people crying in despair. The actions committed represent the cruel society that we can live in because violence, racism and hatred all inspire terrorism. To begin with, protesting with violent actions isn’t morally right.
Terrorism was flourishing in 1960’s America. Nearly every chapter of this book documents acts of terrorism by white people against black people: a leader’s house bombed, a protestor’s face smashed, girls going to church blown up, and finally, of course, Martin himself getting assassinated. MLK Jr. was not a moderate, at least in the last few years of his life, post-1965. At this point, he observed that the passage of the 1964 Civil Rights Bill and the 1965 Voting Rights Act didn’t effect change of the type he was hoping for. He remained an advocate for nonviolence, but when riots broke out, he disclaimed their methods, but did not let society off the hook, claiming “riots are caused by nice, gentle, timid white moderates who are more concerned
This makes it difficult for the audience to side against the facts stated by Kennedy. This use of diction corresponds to the diligence and indignance of Kennedy’s tone. He emotionally connects to the audience by reaching towards those families hurt by the Vietnam War “servicemen to risk their lives-and four were killed in the last two days”. By not only bringing
On April 4, 1968, Senator Robert F. Kennedy delivered the nation with the horrific news of the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. In doing so, Robert F. Kennedy makes an attempt at persuading the audience to make the best decisions for the benefit of this country. He believes that all citizens who are filled with anger and hatred should not give into their desire for revenge, but learn to love and forgive. Robert F. Kennedy effectively supports The argument of Robert F. Kennedy’s speech is that Americans should replace their bitterness and hatred with the desire to love and forgive. Robert F. Kennedy effectively develops and persuades his argument with the use of rhetoric and references.
Another example of Kennedy’s usage of pathos is, “The graves of young Americans who answered the call to service surround the globe.” He uses very descriptive wording and evokes much emotion in the audience because of the tragic incidents of those who have lost their lives. These strategies provoke people to take action. Hearing of the people who have given everything for their country loves people to do more. Kennedy can use this to help to unite the nation.
John F. Kennedy once said, “The rights of every man are diminished when the rights of one man are threatened.” The book, “1984”, had the frightening Thought Police who controlled and watched people's’ every move. For the modern world, the United States’ police have become more frightening than ever, however, both have somewhat different ways of showing it. Police Brutality is shown in both the book, “1984”, with the Thought Police and in the modern world with the United States’ police force. However, the Thought Police have evolved into more of a psychological way of brutality, while the police force in the United States uses physical brutality.
Violence is unacceptable We are living in a turbulent world. On average, there are about 150,000 deaths every day because of diseases, old age, traffic accidents, and especially violence. The data from FBI indicates that in 2013, an estimated 1,163,146 violent crimes occurred in America, and somebody commits a hate crime every hour ("Violent Crime”). The fact that more and more gruesome murders happen shows that we are living in fear of violence, and this violence is unacceptable. FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting Program states that, “violent crime is composed of four offenses: murder and non-negligent manslaughter, rape, robbery, and aggravated assault,” ("Violent Crime”).
Kennedy talks about how the country needs to avoid division and come closer together through the terrible death of Martin Luther King Jr. When Kennedy said this, it made people feel like if they don't learn to love everyone it could cause a divide. This makes the audience feel fear because they don’t want out country to go to ruin. Also, when he talks about violence it could cause people to feel anxious and worried about what could happen if we don’t learn to have compassion for each other. Kennedy is also appealing to their inner sense of love by discussing how America should feel justice towards those that suffer.
For many years, there has been a lot of controversy centering on the rate at which crime and violence is happening in society. Steven Pinker, the author of “Violence Vanquished” states, “We believe our world is riddled with terror and war, but we may be living in the most peaceable era in the human existence.” This quote from the article proves to many people that our world isn’t as bad as it is made out to be. In the article “Violence Vanquished” Pinker uses Logos, and an argument of fact to support the article 's central message which stands to prove violence is at an all-time low in today’s society.
John F. Kennedy discusses and analyzes on how the nation differs from the past and present day in that time period. Kennedy narrators on the division and war in the the world to appeal to the audience patriotism by using pathos and logos. In this speech President Kennedy states “to thoses who would make themselves our adversary, we offer not a pledge but a request; that both sides begin the quest for peace, before the dark power of destruction unleashed.” He uses this quote to obtain a logical appeal to the appeal to the people. Kennedy uses logos to show that he wants the nation to come together and be humble together in one peace.
Let both sides, for the first time, formulate serious and precise proposals for the inspection and control of arms-- and bring the absolute power to destroy other nations under the absolute control of all nations.” Kennedy continues to use “ Let both sides” grab the attention of the audience and show how important this subject is. Another literary device Kennedy uses is symbolism. For example, “ The world is very different now. For man holds in his mortal hands the power to abolish all forms of human poverty and all forms of
Often times, mindless conformity leads to senseless violence that could have been avoided with just a little more thought. In order to justify hateful and exclusive acts, the actions of people in minorities are often taken
Also, he is stating to never be afraid and figure out ways to face them. By doing this, Kennedy left a greater impact on people by making his speech more